"Take a Bus Ride...See Beyond the Walls" Dubrovnik Off The Beaten Path Tip by tpal

Exploring off the well-beaten tourist tracks is always a treat for us. To be sure, there are tourists all over the Dubrovnik area including its suburbs but the majority of tour groups rarely venture far from Old Town. Our strategy often involved leaving Old Town to the crowds and taking the public transportation (mainly buses here) to the outskirts.

The main bus terminus is located immediately outside the Pile Gate. Here you can purchase various ticket options at the bus kiosks or newspaper stands from singles (valid for one hour after first use) to day passes (valid all day but need to be purchased with a guided tour). You may also purchase tickets on the buses but it cost a bit more and you must have exact change.

Intro Photo: Polče is located immediately outside the Polče Gate and is an easy walk from the Grad (Old Town). The tourists you encounter here are generally staying at one of the many hotels located along the eastern shore. A walk along the water's edge here offers the best views of the old harbor's entrance, particularly at night. Our main goal was to reach Banje Beach, the City's main public beach. Unlike most beaches in Croatia which are mainly concrete or rock outcroppings, Banje Beach actually has some sand (and lots of stones).

Photo 2: On one very gray day we rode the bus to the suburb of Lapad, out to its far western point where the very upscale Dubrovnik Palace Hotel is located. There are several paths that lead to the water's edge and offer spectacular views of the Adriatic. The threatening weather this day made the craggy shore all the more dramatic. This photo is very reminiscent of Monterey, California.

Photo 3: Staying in an apartment you need to shop for provisions and the convenience stores in Old Town are pricey. The local "supermarket" is called Konzum which we found in the suburb of Gruž. The single pylon cable-stay bridge in the background connects Gruž to the E65 north toward Split.

Photo 4: This photo was taken from the ridge above Gruž looking south into the Bay of Gruž. The buildings which line hills are virtually all new and appear to be mainly vacation rentals.

Photo 5: The Port of Gruž is also the main anchorage for the numerous cruise ships visiting Dubrovnik.